CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro (PIA) -- Three local government units (LGUs) in the Mimaropa region have been recognized for their exceptional competitiveness in the Philippines. The Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI) give these honors during the Philippine Creative Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Congress held at the Manila Hotel on September 28, 2023.

Calapan City, led by Mayor Marilou Morillo, was recognized as the most competitive city nationwide in terms of resiliency, surpassing other component cities across the country. LGU San Fernando in Romblon, under the leadership of Mayor Nanette Tansingco, secured the second spot among 3rd to 4th class municipalities in the same category of competitiveness.

Meanwhile, LGU Odiongan headed by Mayor Trina Firmalo-Fabic, was recognized as the second most competitive municipality among 1st to 2nd class municipalities in the Government Efficiency pillar.

Trade and Industry Miamropa Officer-in-Charge Regional Director Rodolfo Mariposque said that being on the list of competitive cities and municipalities will help LGUs in generation of businhess leads, as they were recognized in the five competitiveness pillars namely economic dynamism, government efficiency, infrastructure, resiliency, and innovation.

"Malaki ang importansya ng CMCI ranking sa mga lokal na pamahalaan, una nagagamit ito ng mga investors both foreign and domestic sa kanilang decision making, and it helps with the generation of business leads," according to Mariposque.

The CMCI evaluates LGUs based on five essential competitiveness pillars: economic dynamism, government efficiency, infrastructure, resiliency, and innovation.

Addressing the event, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Alfredo Pascual urged LGUs to play a pivotal role in enhancing the country's economic competitiveness. He emphasized the significance of LGUs in delivering crucial services to citizens and promoting economic development.

Pascual also urged the LGUs to work together and have a shared visions and aspirations.

"Together, let us traverse this exciting journey towards the Philippines imbued with creativity, competitiveness, and resilience. Let us weave our dreams and efforts into a tapestry of shared visions and aspirations," Pascual said.

The annual Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index Program, overseen by the Competitiveness Bureau of the Department of Trade and Industry, ranks Philippine cities and municipalities. It is developed by the National Competitiveness Council in collaboration with the Regional Competitiveness Committees and receives support from the United States Agency for International Development. (PJF/PIA Mimaropa - Romblon)